Overbed table assembly

ABSTRACT

Overbed table assemblies and table assemblies for use with a patient support surface are presented herein. In one embodiment, the overbed table assembly includes a movable base for supporting the overbed table assembly and a tabletop spaced from the base. A support beam structure interconnects the tabletop and the base. The support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof. In other embodiments, one or more elongated glide arms project transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop. Optionally, the glide arm(s) are generally parallel with the ground, and less than approximately one inch high. The base may include an array of wheels, at least three of which are positioned directly under one side of the tabletop. The tabletop may be vertically adjustable, having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tables, and more particularlyto movable table assemblies with a cantilevered tabletop that isdesigned to extend over a patient support surface.

BACKGROUND

Many hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare andnon-healthcare facilities provide tables for use by attendingphysicians, nurses, and other facility personnel as work surfaces, andfor patient convenience by providing an available surface. Some suchtables, which are typically referred to in the art as “overbed tables,”have a tabletop that is designed to extend over a patient supportsurface, such as a bed, chair, examination table, and the like. In mostconventional arrangements, the tabletop is a cantilevered surface thatis buttressed on a rectangular base which is supported at each corner bya caster or wheel. The cantilevered tabletop can often be raised andlowered to accommodate different needs, preferences and patient supportsurfaces of varying heights.

During common use, the overbed table is wheeled up to the patient bed,chair, etc. The wheeled-base of the overbed table slides underneath thepatient support surface such that the horizontal tabletop extends overthe patient support surface. The vertical support beam of the overbedtable assembly is either pressed against or merely lies adjacent to oneside of the patient support surface. The tabletop may then be adjustedto a more convenient height over the support surface. A lockingmechanism may be employed to secure the tabletop at the desired height.

In general, overbed tables are classified as either standard-heighttables or low-profile tables. Standard-height overbed tables utilizeconventional wheels, and typically provide an adjustable tabletop-heightrange of 30-45 inches. In contrast, low-profile overbed tables typicallyprovide an adjustable tabletop-height range of 19-28 inches, utilizingsmall-radius casters which provide a low profile base for rolling underequipment and support surfaces with low underside clearances.

Recent developments in hospital equipment include vertically-adjustablesupport surfaces. Adjustable-height bed frames, for example, have anunderside clearance of only a few inches when adjusted to theirlowest-most heights. The wheeled-base of conventional overbed assemblieswill not clear a bed that has a full height of 7 inches from top of deckto floor in the low position. Attempting to slide the wheeled-base ofprior art overbed tables underneath these support surfaces will damagethe underside support frame and any associated electronics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various advantages of the invention will become apparent upon readingthe following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view illustration of an overbed table assemblyin accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective-view illustration of the overbed tableassembly of FIG. 1.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example inthe drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should beunderstood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited tothe particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail representative embodiments of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodimentsillustrated. To that extent, elements and limitations that aredisclosed, for example, in the Figures, Abstract, and Description of theIllustrative Embodiments, but not explicitly set forth in the claims,should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, byimplication, inference or otherwise.

The present invention will be described herein in the context of anoverbed table assembly for providing a convenient, readily-availablesurface for vertically-adjustable long-term care beds. However, thepresent invention is by no means limited to this particular application.By way of example, and not limitation, the concepts of the presentinvention may just as easily be applicable to other support platforms,such as examination tables and chairs, wheelchairs, sofas, stretchers,hospital beds, nursing home beds, stationary beds, and the like. Inaddition, the drawings presented herein are not to scale and areprovided purely for instructional purposes. As such, absent explicitclaim language to the contrary, the individual and relative dimensionsand orientations shown in the drawings are not to be consideredlimiting.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likecomponents throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a sideperspective-view illustration of an exemplary overbed table assembly,designated generally as 10, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention. While the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is referred toas an overbed table, it is not so limited. In fact, the table assembly10 can also be positioned in front of or next to other support surfaces,such as those enumerated in the previous paragraph. To that end, theoverbed table assembly 10 can be employed in both healthcare facilities(e.g., hospitals and doctor offices) and non-healthcare facilities(e.g., nursing homes and long-term care homes) alike without departingfrom the intended scope and spirit of the present invention.

The overbed table assembly 10 comprises three primary segments: a base12, a support beam structure 14, and a tabletop 16. The base 12 isconfigured to movably support the entire overbed table assembly 10. Forinstance, the base 12 may comprise a rigid platform with an array ofwheels that allow the overbed table assembly 10 to be easily maneuveredabout the floor (designated FL in FIG. 1) without inadvertently tipping.In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the base 12 includes aplurality of laterally-oriented and longitudinally-oriented crossbeams18A-B and 20A-C, respectively, which are interconnected to form ahorizontal support platform. Two locking casters 22 are swivel mountedto the under-side surface of the rearmost laterally-oriented crossbeam18A, whereas two non-locking casters 24 are swivel mounted to theunder-side surface of the forward-most laterally-oriented crossbeam 18B.Optional tube plugs (two of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 at 26) canbe inserted into the open ends of the laterally-oriented crossbeams18A-B for aesthetic and/or safety purposes.

Recognizably, the base 12 may comprise more or fewer than the fivecrossbeams 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B, 20C illustrated in FIG. 1. It is likewisecontemplated that one or more of the crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C can bereplaced with alternate structure, such as a rigid plate or box.Moreover, the length, width, and height of each crossbeam 18A-B, 20A-Ccan be modified, individually or collectively, to accommodate theintended application of the overbed table assembly 10. To that end, thecrossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C are exemplified in the drawings as elongated,square tubes. Alternatively, the crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C may befabricated as solid bars, and may take on varying geometries. As anotheroptional configuration, one of the locking casters 22 or the non-lockingcasters 24 could eliminated, with the remaining caster being centrallyoriented along its respective crossbeam 18A or 18B.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the tabletop 16 is shown with a generally planar,rectangular body 28 having rounded corners. The tabletop 16 isconfigured, as described below, to cantilever above a patient supportsurface, such as a hospital bed or wheel chair. For descriptivepurposes, the tabletop body 28 may be split into two generally congruentsections—i.e., a first side 30A that is in longitudinally opposingrelation with a second side 30B. It should be recognized, however, thatthe tabletop 16 length, width, and overall geometry may be variedwithout departing from the intended scope of the present invention. Inaddition, the tabletop 16 may be provided with various optionalfeatures, such as cup holders, cubby holes, electronic devices, etc.

According to one facet of the present concepts, the overbed tableassembly 10 includes one or more glide arms 32 that are oriented so asto abut the floor FL (also referred to herein as “ground”) and therebyprovide cantilevered support for the tabletop 16. For example, a pair ofgenerally parallel, elongated glide arms 32 are attached to (e.g., viawelding or screws) or integrally formed with (e.g., via thermoplasticmolding) the base 12. The glide arms 32 project transversely outwardfrom a front side of the base 12, in a substantially horizontalorientation with respect to the tabletop 16 and a substantiallyperpendicular orientation with respect to the support beam structure 14.In the illustrated embodiment, each glide arm 32 is attached to theforward-most laterally-oriented crossbeam 18B, and curves downwardtherefrom such that substantially all of the glide arm 32 is immediatelyadjacent to and generally parallel with the floor FL. In someembodiments, the base 12 has an overall maximum height equal to or lessthan approximately seven inches, whereas the elongated glide arms 32each have a maximum height over the length thereof of less thanapproximately one inch and, in some configurations, less thanapproximately ½ an inch. This arrangement provides an exceptionallylow-profile base that can fit under adjustable “hi-low” beds and otherpatient support structures with minimal underside clearances withoutdamaging the underside thereof.

The casters 22, 24 are shown positioned at the corners of theinterconnected crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C to provide sufficient lateralstability for wheeling the overbed table assembly 10 to differentlocations. The casters 22, 24 also cooperate with the glide arms 32 toprovide sufficient cantilever support for the tabletop 16 if verticallyloaded. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, all of thecasters 22, 24 are positioned directly under the first longitudinal side30A of the tabletop 16. This arrangement provides sufficient subjacentsupport for the tabletop 16 when there is no load exacted thereon.However, if a load is applied which creates a sufficient moment arm onthe tabletop 16 such that the overbed table assembly 10 pitches forward(e.g., counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 1), the glide arms 32 willpress into the floor FL and create a counteracting force to offset themoment arm. In a similar regard, if a load is applied which creates asufficient moment arm on the tabletop 16 such that the overbed tableassembly 10 pitches rearward (e.g., clockwise with respect to FIG. 1),the glide arms 32 will press upwards into the underside surface of thehospital bed to create a counteracting force to offset the moment arm.

In some preferred embodiments, one or more rounded protrusions 34project downwardly from an underside surface of each elongated glide arm32. As seen in FIG. 2, for example, each protrusion 24 has a roundedhead with a flanged shank. The flanged shank is pressed into acorresponding receiving hole 36 (FIG. 2), thereby attaching theprotrusion 34 to a respective glide arm 32. Alternative means, such as,but not limited to, adhesives or helical threading, can be utilized toattach the rounded protrusions 34 to the glide arms 32. The roundedprotrusions 34 lie between the elongated glide arms 32 and the floor FL.The contoured shape and/or the material of the protrusions 34 reducesliding friction between the elongated glide arms 32 and the floor FL.The protrusions 34 also help prevent accidental scratching of the floorFL. The glide arm 32 is shown in FIG. 1 with two rounded protrusions 34;however, more or less than two can be utilized without departing fromthe intended scope of the present invention.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the support beam structure 14operatively connects the tabletop 16 to the base 12. The support beamstructure 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, is composed of agenerally hollow outer column 40 that is coupled directly to the base 12and an inner column 42 that is coupled directly to the tabletop 16.Alternatively, the outer column 40 can be coupled to the tabletop 16while the inner column 42 is coupled to the base 12. The outer column 40and inner column 42 are exemplified in the drawings as elongated,vertically-oriented square tubes. It should be recognized, however, thatthe inner column 42 may be fabricated as a solid bar, whereas the shape,orientation, and dimensions of the inner and outer columns 40, 42 can beselectively varied. Likewise, other structural arrangements can be usedto attach the base 12 to the tabletop 16. For example, a twist-and-pullor slide-rail stanchion arrangement can be utilized instead of thetelescoping arrangement shown in the drawings.

In accordance with another optional facet, the tabletop 16 may be raisedand lowered to allow the user to selectively adjust the height of theoverbed table assembly 10. According to the exemplary arrangement shownin the drawings, the outer column 40 is secured to and extends upwardlyfrom one end of the base 12. The upper end of the outer column 40 isopen, as seen in FIG. 2. The inner column 42 is secured (e.g., via theU-shaped bracket 44 illustrated in FIG. 2), to the underside of thehorizontal table top 16 adjacent one end thereof. The inner column 42 isreceived inside the outer column 40 such that the inner column 42 cantelescope in and out of the outer column 40. The cross-sectional area ofthe outer column 40 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area ofthe inner column 42 so that the inner column 42 can slide verticallyrelative to the outer column 40 with ease, and can maintain the tabletop16 in a generally horizontal position throughout its range of movement.In so doing, the tabletop 16 is selectively movable between a raisedposition (shown with hidden lines at 28A in FIG. 1) and a loweredposition (indicated at 28B in FIG. 1). A pair of optional column guides46 can be hooked to the inner wall of the outer column 42, providing aguide surface upon which the inner column 42 slides when telescopingwith respect to the outer column 40.

A constant force spring 48 is mounted inside the lower end of the outercolumn 40 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. Theconstant force spring 48 is composed of a coil of flexible yet resilientmetal ribbon which is wound on a shaft 50 that is mounted to the outercolumn 40. The external end of the spring 48 is secured to an outsidesurface of the inner column 42 while the internal end of the spring 48may be secured to the shaft 50 or merely freely wound thereon. As theexternal end of the spring 48 is drawn away from the shaft 50, thespring 48 straightens out with a portion thereof remaining wound on theshaft 50. The straightening action produces a spring force that tends topull the external end of the spring 48 back into the coil. Regardless ofthe length of the straight portion of the spring 48, the portion on theshaft 50 remains substantially the same length. Thus, the spring forceacting to pull the inner column 42 upward remains the same. As a result,the portion of the spring 48 mounted on the shaft 50 constitutes aconstant force spring which applies a constant force tending to pull theinner column 42 and, thus, the entire tabletop 16 upwardly. Otherdevices for biasing the tabletop 16 in a preferred direction are alsoenvisioned. Such arrangements may include, for example, pneumaticdevices, mechanized arms, motorized assemblies, etc.

The overbed table assembly 10 may also be provided with a releasablelocking device that is associated between the inner and outer columns40, 42. The locking device of FIG. 2, for example, is composed of alatch plate 52 that is pivotally secured for movement about a pair ofcircular hinge mounts 54, which project outward from opposite sides ofthe inner column 42. As a result, the latch plate 52 is verticallymovable with the inner column 42. A spring may be provided so that thelatch plate 52 is urged upwardly (i.e., in a counterclockwise directionwith respect to FIG. 2) about the axis of the circular hinge mounts 54.A vertical rod 56 extends down through the hollow center of the innercolumn 42, a lower end of which is received by the latch plate 52. Thespring which acts on the latch plate 52 tends to bias the latch plate 52into engagement with, and to thereby support, the vertical rod 56. Theopposite end of the vertical rod 56 extends through an opening in theupper end of the inner column 42. In this particular embodiment, a guideplate 66 is secured to the inner column 42. The guide plate 66 has anopening through which the rod 56 is received and, as a result, thevertical rod 56 is maintained in a vertically aligned and centeredorientation within the inner column 42. There are alternative means bywhich the tabletop 16 can be locked at a preferred height (e.g., apin-and-slot arrangement).

Continuing with the above exemplary locking device, a release lever 58is pivotally secured to the tabletop 16—namely, U-shaped bracket 44, bya pivot pin 60. The release lever 58 has a handle portion on an externalside of the pivot pin 60 and an engagement portion on the opposite sideof the pivot pin 60. The engagement portion of the release lever 58 layson top of or otherwise engages the upper end of the vertical rod 36. Bypressing or pulling up on the underside of the handle portion, therelease lever 58 is pivoted (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 1) about theaxis of the pivot pin 60, pushing downwardly on the vertical rod 56.

In use, the tabletop 16 may be moved vertically throughout its range bysimply lifting on the tabletop body 28. When the desired elevation isachieved, the latch plate 52 will prevent downward movement of thetabletop 16 by the wedging of the latch plate 52 between the inner andouter columns 40, 42. When it is desired to lower the tabletop 16, therelease lever 58 is actuated (i.e., pivoted upwardly about the axis ofthe pivot pin 60) so that the engagement portion presses down on theupper end of the vertical rod 56. This action will also serve todisengage the latch plate 52 from engagement with the outer column 40.Thereafter, the tabletop 16 can be lowered to the desired height. Uponrelease of the lever 58, the latch plate 52 will be biased intoengagement with the inner wall of the outer column 40 so that continueddownward movement of the tabletop 16 is prevented.

According to one embodiment, the tabletop 16 is vertically adjustable,having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from theground. In another embodiment, the tabletop 16 has an adjustable heightof approximately 23-39 inches from the ground. In yet anotherembodiment, the adjustable height of the tabletop 16 is approximately23.5-38 inches. Other ranges of motion are also envisioned as beingwithin the scope of the present invention.

To provide the overbed table assembly 10 with a tabletop 16 having asubstantial range of motion and a significantly low minimum height,while maintaining the ultra-low base profile, the lower end of thesupport beam structure 14 is attached to the base 12 at a point belowthe upper surface thereof. Purely by way of clarification, the uppersurface of the base 12 may be delineated, for example, by the planedefined by the upper surfaces of the interconnected crossbeams 18A-B,20A-C, whereas the lower surface of the base 12 may be characterized bythe plane defined by the lower surfaces of the interconnected crossbeams18A-B, 20A-C. In the illustrated embodiment, a mounting plate 62 iswelded or otherwise attached to the under-side surface of the rearmostlaterally-oriented crossbeam 18A to provide an ultra-low platform forthe column 40 to mount. The outer column 40 is then fastened to themounting plate 62—e.g., via threaded screws 64 of FIG. 2. When attached,the lower longitudinal tip of the outer column 40 is generally coplanarwith the lower surface of the base 12.

Exemplary Alternate Embodiments

The following exemplary embodiments of the invention are not intended torepresent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention.The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages ofthe present invention, will become more readily apparent from thefollowing examples.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an overbed tableassembly is provided. In this embodiment, the overbed table assemblyincludes a base configured to movably support the overbed tableassembly, and a tabletop spaced apart from the base. A support beamstructure is operatively connected at a first end thereof to thetabletop and at a second end thereof to the base. The second end of thesupport beam structure is attached to the base at a point below theupper surface thereof.

In accordance with one optional facet of the present invention, alongitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanarwith the lower surface of the base. In a similar respect, the second endof the support beam structure may be attached to the lower surface ofthe base.

In accordance with another optional facet, the base comprises aplurality of interconnected crossbeams. In this instance, a mountingplate attaches the second end of the support beam structure to anunderside of at least one of the crossbeams.

As part of another optional facet of the present invention, the basecomprises one or more elongated glide arms that projecting transverselyfrom the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantileveredsupport for the tabletop. Each elongated glide arm may be generallyparallel with the ground, having a height of less than approximately oneinch and, in some configurations, less than approximately ½ an inch overa longitudinal length thereof. Optionally, each elongated glide arm maybe fabricated with one or more rounded protrusions that project from anunderside surface thereof. The rounded protrusions are generally locatedbetween the glide arm and the ground. Each rounded protrusion isconfigured to reduce sliding friction between the elongated glide armand the ground.

According to yet another aspect, the base comprises at least threewheels positioned directly under one longitudinal side of the tabletop.In one optional arrangement, the wheels are casters swivel mounted tothe lower surface of the base.

As part of yet another aspect of the present invention, the support beamstructure includes a generally hollow outer column coupled directly tothe base (or the tabletop), and an inner column coupled directly to thetabletop (or the base). The inner column is telescopically mountedwithin the outer column such that the tabletop is selectively movablebetween a raised position and a lowered position. In one optionalarrangement, a constant force spring is attached at a first end to theouter column and at a second end to the inner column. The constant forcespring biases the tabletop toward the raised position.

In accordance with another optional facet, the tabletop is verticallyadjustable, with an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches fromthe ground.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a tableassembly is presented. The table assembly of this embodiment includes atabletop that is configured to cantilever above a patient supportsurface. The table assembly also includes a base with at least threewheels, all of which are positioned directly under one side of thetabletop. A support beam structure operatively connects the tabletop tothe base. One or more elongated glide arms project transversely from thebase to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for thetabletop.

According to one optional facet, the elongated glide arms are generallyparallel with the ground, each having a height of less thanapproximately one inch, and preferably less than approximately ½ an inchabove the ground.

According to an additional optional facet, the elongated glide armsinclude at least one rounded protrusion that projects downwardlytherefrom, lying between the glide arm and the ground. Each roundedprotrusion is configured to reduce sliding friction between theelongated glide arm and the ground.

According to another optional facet, the base has upper and lowersurfaces, wherein the support beam structure is attached to the base ata point below the upper surface thereof.

According to yet another optional facet, a longitudinal tip of thesupport beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface ofthe base.

According to even yet another optional facet, the base comprises aplurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching oneend of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of theplurality of crossbeams.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, an overbedtable assembly is featured. In this embodiment, the overbed tableassembly includes a tabletop with a generally planar body having firstand second generally congruent sides. The tabletop is configured tocantilever above a patient support surface, such as a bed, chair, couch,and the like. The overbed table assembly also includes a base with atleast three wheels that are positioned directly under the first side ofthe tabletop. A support beam structure is operatively connected at afirst end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to thebase. The second end of the support beam structure is attached to thebase at a point below the upper surface thereof. At least one elongatedglide arm projects transversely outward from the base to abut the groundand thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.

While the best modes for carrying out the present invention have beendescribed in detail, those familiar with the art to which this inventionrelates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

1. An overbed table assembly comprising: a base configured to movablysupport the overbed table assembly, the base having an upper surface anda lower surface; a tabletop spaced from the base; and a support beamstructure operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletopand at a second end thereof to the base, wherein the second end of thesupport beam structure is attached to the base at a point below theupper surface of the base.
 2. The overbed table assembly of claim 1,wherein a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generallycoplanar with the lower surface of the base.
 3. The overbed tableassembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of the support beamstructure is attached to the lower surface of the base.
 4. The overbedtable assembly of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality ofinterconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching the second end ofthe support beam structure to an underside of at least one of theplurality of crossbeams.
 5. The overbed table assembly of claim 1,wherein the base comprises at least one glide arm projectingtransversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby providecantilevered support for the tabletop.
 6. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one glide arm is generally parallel withthe ground, the at least one glide arm having a height of less thanapproximately one inch.
 7. The overbed table assembly of claim 5,wherein the at least one elongated glide arm includes at least onerounded protrusion projecting from an underside surface thereof.
 8. Theoverbed table assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one roundedprotrusion lies between the at least one elongated glide arm and theground and is configured to reduce sliding friction between the at leastone elongated glide arm and the ground.
 9. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises at least three wheels positioneddirectly under one longitudinal side of the tabletop.
 10. The overbedtable assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least three wheels are castersswivel mounted to the lower surface of the base.
 11. The overbed tableassembly of claim 1, wherein the support beam structure includes agenerally hollow outer column coupled to one of the tabletop and thebase, and an inner column coupled to the other of the tabletop and base,the inner column being telescopically mounted within the outer columnsuch that the tabletop is selectively movable between a raised positionand a lowered position.
 12. The overbed table assembly of claim 11,wherein the support beam structure includes a constant force springattached at a first end to the outer column and at a second end to theinner column, the constant force spring biasing the tabletop toward theraised position.
 13. The bed assembly of claim 1, wherein the tabletopis vertically adjustable, the tabletop having an adjustable height ofapproximately 20-40 inches from the ground.
 14. A table assemblycomprising: a tabletop having first and second opposing sides, thetabletop being configured to cantilever above a patient support surface;a base with at least three wheels positioned directly under the firstside of the tabletop; a support beam structure connecting the tabletopto the base; and at least one elongated glide arm projectingtransversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby providecantilevered support for the tabletop.
 15. The table assembly of claim14, wherein the at least one elongated glide arm is generally parallelwith the ground, the at least one elongated glide arm having a height ofapproximately ½ an inch over a longitudinal length thereof.
 16. Thetable assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one elongated glide armincludes at least one rounded protrusion projecting downwardly therefrombetween the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground, the atleast one rounded protrusion being configured to reduce sliding frictionbetween the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground.
 17. Thetable assembly of claim 14, wherein the base has an upper surface and alower surface, the support beam structure being attached to the base ata point below the upper surface of the base.
 18. The table assembly ofclaim 14, wherein a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure isgenerally coplanar with the lower surface of the base.
 19. The tableassembly of claim 14, wherein the base comprises a plurality ofinterconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching one end of thesupport beam structure to an underside of at least one of the pluralityof crossbeams.
 20. An overbed table assembly comprising: a tabletop witha generally planar body having first and second generally congruentsides, the tabletop being configured to cantilever above a patientsupport surface; a base with at least three wheels positioned directlyunder the first side of the tabletop, the base having an upper surfaceand a lower surface; a support beam structure operatively connected at afirst end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to thebase, wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attachedto the base at a point below the upper surface thereof; and at least oneelongated glide arm projecting transversely outward from the base toabut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for thetabletop.